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Principal’s Message

Dear Washington Shores Elementary School Family,

Welcome to a new school year! It is with great gratitude, excitement, and honor that I welcome you as the new proud principal of Washington Shores Elementary School. I am truly blessed to serve a school with a rich history, dedicated educators, supportive families, and amazing students.

As we begin this new chapter together, I want to celebrate the outstanding work that has already been accomplished. Washington Shores has proudly maintained a “B” school grade, a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our students, staff, families, and community. This achievement reminds us that when we work together with a shared purpose, great things happen. While we celebrate this success, we remain deeply focused on our most important goal—increasing student achievement for every child, every day. We are committed to continuous growth and reaching even greater academic heights.

In alignment with the OCPS Portrait of a Graduate, we are committed to Prepare, Inspire, and Empower every student. We will prepare our students with the knowledge and skills they need for success, inspire them to dream big and believe in their potential, and empower them to become confident, responsible, and successful learners and leaders.

Our theme this year, “Stronger Together: Reaching New Heights,” reflects my vision for our school. I believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, challenged, and inspired every day—and to receive the instruction and support needed to achieve at high levels. I also believe our greatest success in increasing student achievement will come through strong partnerships built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.

My hope is that Washington Shores continues to be a place where students love to learn, families feel welcomed, staff members feel supported, and our community takes pride in the incredible academic growth happening within our school. I have high expectations because I know what we can accomplish together. By encouraging one another, embracing challenges, using data to guide instruction, and always putting students first, we will continue to raise achievement and build on our success.

As your principal, I promise to lead with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to increasing student achievement and doing what is best for our children. I look forward to celebrating academic growth, overcoming challenges, and creating lasting memories with each of you.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for partnering with us in their education. I am excited for the year ahead and confident that together we will make this our best year yet.

Stronger Together: Reaching New Heights!

With gratitude,

April Davis-LaRue
Proud Principal
Washington Shores Elementary School